What it does
The center of excellence for educator preparation and innovation develops and sustains an in-to-end teacher pipeline. By upskilling educators to leverage data-driven, innovative strategies tailored to each learner, the epi center prepares teachers to create transformative educational and economic opportunities for lasting impact in classrooms and communities.
The rewarding educator achievement and performance (reap) initiative is designed to improve educational quality, strengthen educator effectiveness, increase student achievement, and advance equity in fairfield county school district and georgetown county school district. In october 2024, the epi center received approximately $6.5 million in year 2 funding under its three-year, $26.7 million u.s. Department of education grant. The initiative supports more than 850 educators and nearly 11,000 students across 26 schools in the two partner districts. Through collaboration with fairfield and georgetown, the center implements two integrated service tiers. The first uses a comprehensive, data-driven human capital management system to attract, retain, develop, and reward effective educators. The second provides resources and sustained professional development for teachers and school leaders. Together, the service tiers address talent management, high-quality educator evaluation, performance-based compensation, professional growth pathways, principal leadership networks, instructional coaching for new teachers, and educator career ladders.
Professional development - this program funds continued growth opportunities for educators and staff beyond initial preparation. This includes workshops, conferences, seminars, and training sessions, as well as coaching, peer collaboration, and certifications. Funds may also cover registration, travel, or materials. The goal is to help educators remain skilled, innovative, and aligned with evolving standards and practices.
Educator preparation - this program provides resources to help aspiring and current teachers successfully pursue licensure. Covered costs include apprenticeships, mentorship, praxis preparation and testing, coursework, and school-based field experiences-all designed to ensure educators are fully prepared to meet licensure and advancement requirements.